Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. I hope you're doing as well as you can today. If life just got hard, or it's been hard for a while, I'm really glad you found this. You are not alone, and there's more help in Pennsylvania than most people know about.
This is the place to start. In a few pages, we'll walk through the first calls to make, how help usually works here, and which of our 14 guides fits what you need right now.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- Everything here is at no cost. No sign up, no paywall.
When everything feels urgent, it helps to sort it out. Here's a simple order that works for a lot of people.
Your first steps, in order
- Are you safe right now? If not, call 911. If you're hurting inside, call or text 988.
- Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight? If not, start with Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight.
- Do you have food for today? If not, dial 211 and see Guide 4, Food.
- Charge your phone and screenshot the key numbers at the back of this guide.
- Pick the one thing that matters most this week and make one call about it.
- Write down who you talked to and when to call back.
You don't have to fix everything today. Just take the next step, and then the one after that.
From the Bunklow team
What is 211, and how does it work?
211 is a no cost phone line that connects you with local help. A real person answers, and they can point you to help paying bills, food, housing, crisis support and more.
Just dial 211 from any phone in Pennsylvania, or text your ZIP code to 898211. You can also search online at https://www.pa211.org/
- It's at no cost and open day and night.
- Tell them your city or ZIP and what you need most.
- Ask for names, numbers and hours, and write them down.
- If the first idea doesn't work, call back and ask for another.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa211.org/
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I'm in [city or ZIP]. I need help with [shelter, food, rent, a ride, a phone]."
"What's open today, and what are the hours?"
"Do I need to bring anything?"
"If that doesn't work out, who else can I call?"
Which guide do I need?
We made 14 guides for Pennsylvania. Here's what each one covers, so you can jump right to it.
- Guide 1, Start Here. This one. First steps and how help works.
- Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight. Finding a safe place to sleep, what shelters are like, and what to do if they're full.
- Guide 3, Housing Help. Rent help, vouchers, Coordinated Entry and help for renters.
- Guide 4, Food. Food today, SNAP, WIC and food banks.
- Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene. No cost clothes, showers, laundry and hygiene items.
- Guide 6, Jobs and Job Training. Career centers, resumes and training.
- Guide 7, Health and Mental Health. Clinics, Medicaid and crisis help.
- Guide 8, Domestic Violence Safety and Housing. Safe, private help and shelter.
- Guide 9, Veterans. VA help, benefits and housing for Veterans.
- Guide 10, Youth and Young Adults. Help for young people on their own.
- Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back. Birth certificates, PennDOT photo IDs and Social Security cards.
- Guide 12, Phones and Internet. Lifeline discounts, no cost WiFi and low cost internet.
- Guide 13, Legal and Tenant Help. No cost legal aid and renter questions.
- Guide 14, How to Make Blessing Bags. A simple way to help others.
How do I apply for benefits like SNAP and Medicaid?
In Pennsylvania, food benefits (SNAP), Medical Assistance (Medicaid), CHIP for children and cash help all go through the Department of Human Services. You can apply online, in person or by mail, and applying is always at no cost.
You don't need to know if you qualify before you apply.
- Apply and manage your case on COMPASS, https://www.compass.dhs.pa.gov/ The myCOMPASS PA app lets you check your application, upload papers and report changes from your phone. Questions? The DHS Helpline is 1.800.692.7462. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/contact/compass
- Food and cash benefits come on a Pennsylvania ACCESS card (an EBT card), which you use with a PIN at most grocery stores.
- Lost, stolen or not working? Call the EBT Recipient Hotline at 1.888.328.7366, open 24/7. You can also lock your card in the ConnectEBT app when you're not using it, to help protect your benefits from skimming. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap/ebt
Say you just lost your job in Pittsburgh
Say your hours were cut and money is suddenly tight. You could apply for SNAP and Medical Assistance on COMPASS the same day, then apply for unemployment compensation online or at 888.313.7284 and look for job help at a PA CareerLink center (see Guide 6).
If rent is the worry, you could call the Allegheny Link at 1.866.730.2368 or dial 211, and read Guide 3 for your options.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
How do I get my ID and papers back?
So many things need an ID, so it's worth starting early. Here are the three big ones.
Guide 11 has the details.
- Birth certificate. If you were born in Pennsylvania, you can order one from the Department of Health online through VitalChek (the only approved online vendor), by mail, or at a Vital Records public office. The Department also has a separate application with fees waived for people experiencing homelessness, and one for youth in foster care or juvenile justice. Sources: https://www.pa.gov/services/health/request-a-birth-certificate and https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/programs/vital-records/forms
- PennDOT photo ID. Any Pennsylvania resident age 10 or older can get a photo ID card at a Driver License Center. Bring the application, proof of identity, your Social Security card, and two proofs of address if you're 18 or older. If you are experiencing homelessness, you may be able to get your first photo ID, or a renewal, at no cost. Ask PennDOT about the homeless ID fee waiver.
- Social Security card. The Social Security Administration explains how to replace a lost card, often online for adults. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ssa.gov/number-card
Keep a simple folder or phone album
How do I stay connected?
A working phone makes every other step easier. Guide 12 has more.
- Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission says it takes $5.25 a month off voice service, or $9.25 a month off qualifying internet service, one discount per household. You may qualify through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, a Veterans Pension or federal public housing, or by income. Apply through a Lifeline phone company or at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.puc.pa.gov/media/3825/lifeline_factsheet_2026.pdf
- EveryoneOn is a no cost search tool for low cost internet offers and computers. Search by ZIP at https://www.everyoneon.org/
- Public libraries have no cost computers and WiFi. Library numbers are in the county list.
Write it down
Keep a short list of every place you call, the time, and what they said. It makes call backs faster and way less stressful.
Where can I get help right away?
- In danger right now: call 911.
- Thinking about suicide or in emotional crisis: call or text 988. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7.
- Being hurt by a partner: the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800.799.7233, or text START to 88788. Every Pennsylvania county also has a crisis intervention line. The Department of Human Services keeps a list by county, and the Philadelphia and Allegheny numbers are in Guide 7.
- Veterans: the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is 877.424.3838, and the Veterans Crisis Line is 988, then press 1.
- Young people: 1 800 RUNAWAY is 1.800.786.2929.
Questions people ask a lot
Is all of this really at no cost?
Yes. These guides are at no cost, and the programs we list don't charge to apply. Be careful of anyone who asks for money to help you apply for benefits.
What if I don't have a phone?
Ask a library, day center or shelter if you can use theirs. Libraries also have no cost computers and WiFi.
What if I don't have an ID?
Start the process early. See Guide 11. Many places can still help you while you work on it.
What if nobody calls me back?
Call again. It's okay to be politely persistent. Ask if there's a better time or another number.
Who is Bunklow?
We're a team that cares about affordable living. We made these guides no cost for anyone who needs them, as a resource for renters and neighbors. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties.
Can I share this guide?
Please do! Share it with anyone who could use it.
I'm really glad you're here
Reaching out is a strong thing to do. If you have questions, please let me know. We're happy to help however we can!
Here are good first calls near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD: help for people experiencing homelessness
What it offers HUD funds local groups but does not give direct help itself. Its page says to dial 211 and press 6 for homeless services. It also has a map of affordable housing (call each property to check for openings) and says to contact your local Public Housing Agency for a Housing Choice Voucher.
How to reach Dial 211, then press 6. Housing map at resources.hud.gov
Source https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans
Last checked October 17, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers No cost, confidential support 24/7 for emotional distress, mental health or substance use worries.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat at chat.988lifeline.org
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Pennsylvania
Here are some places to start.
PA 211
What it offers No cost help finding local services across Pennsylvania: shelter, food, bills, health and more. Open 24/7, every day of the year.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. Search online at search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
COMPASS (PA Department of Human Services)
What it offers The state's one stop website to apply for SNAP, Medical Assistance and other benefits.
How to reach Apply at www.compass.dhs.pa.gov. Questions: DHS Helpline 1.800.692.7462 (TTY 1.800.451.5886).
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap
Last checked October 17, 2026
County Assistance Offices
What it offers Local DHS offices where you can apply in person, drop off papers and get help. Philadelphia headquarters 215.560.7226. Allegheny headquarters 412.565.2146.
How to reach Find your county's office at https://pa.gov/agencies/dhs/contact/cao-information
Source https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/contact/cao-information
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Philadelphia and Allegheny County
Here are some places to start.
Philadelphia 311
What it offers The City's line for questions and services, including help finding no cost food and meal sites.
How to reach Call 311.
Source https://www.phila.gov/2022-09-28-how-to-find-free-food-in-philadelphia/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Allegheny Link
What it offers The county's front door for housing and homeless help. Families with children who have nowhere safe to sleep tonight should call here. Single adults can get help reaching the shelter system.
How to reach Call 1.866.730.2368. Live staff Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Source https://connect.alleghenycounty.us/get-help-now/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County
Here are some places to start.
Your Way Home Helpline
What it offers Montgomery County's front door for people experiencing homelessness or about to lose their housing.
How to reach Call 610.278.3522.
Source https://www.yourwayhome.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Montgomery County Mobile Crisis
What it offers No cost crisis support by phone or in person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone in Montgomery County.
How to reach Call 855.634.4673.
Source https://www.accessservices.org/services/mobile-crisis/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bucks County
Here are some places to start.
Bucks County Housing Link Helpline
What it offers The single place to start for any Bucks County resident in a housing crisis, with referrals to street outreach, housing planning or prevention.
How to reach Call 1.800.810.4434.
Source https://www.buckshousinglink.org/need-help/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Delaware County
Here are some places to start.
Delaware County No Wrong Door line
What it offers A county line where residents can ask about human services and get linked to programs, including homeless services, food pantries and more.
How to reach Call 610.713.2115, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Email NoWrongDoor@delcohsa.org
Source https://delcopa.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/DelCo_NoWrongDoorOverview2024Outreach.pdf
Last checked October 17, 2026
Delaware County Crisis Connections Team
What it offers 24 hour crisis services and support.
How to reach Call 855.889.7827. You can also text PA to 741741.
Source https://www.delcopa.gov/human-services/mental-health
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lancaster County
Here are some places to start.
PA 211 East
What it offers Lancaster County's 211 center for utilities, jobs, child care, rent help and more, and the main way in for homelessness help.
How to reach Dial 211. For homelessness intake you can also call 855.567.5341, Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm.
Source https://east.pa211.org/coordinated-entry/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Chester County
Here are some places to start.
Chester County Human Needs Network (211)
What it offers One call for housing and utility help, food, health care, veterans services, jobs, legal services and other basic needs.
How to reach Dial 211. The local center answers Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm, and PA 211 answers at other times.
Source https://www.chesco.org/5529/Human-Needs-Network
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Neighborhood and other counties
Here are some places to start.
PA 211 online search
What it offers Search shelter, meals, clothing, showers and more by ZIP code. In southwest PA, the county points to pa211sw.org.
How to reach search.pa211.org
Source https://www.pa211.org/
Last checked October 17, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My first steps plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
What matters most right now
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 17, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
